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Prairie Fare: Chocolate Has Some Heart Health Benefits

The good news: Several studies show some health benefits associated with moderate chocolate consumption.

By Julie Garden-Robinson, Food and Nutrition Specialist
NDSU Extension Service

“Mama, a few chocolate chips, please!” my 3-year-old requested.

“Did you have a rough day at preschool?” I asked.

She gave me a puzzled look and held out her hand. I grabbed a bowl and added some chips. I didn’t want melted chocolate from her hands on the walls.

“Don’t share any chocolate with our puppies, though,” I said.

The theobromine naturally present in chocolate, especially dark chocolate, can be toxic to pets, particularly dogs. In humans, the compound is linked to chocolate’s reported mood-improving characteristics.

I started a trend. Now, whenever we arrive at home, my daughter smiles her most dazzling, dimpled grin and requests chocolate chips.

I’m not sure if her smile is all that sincere, but it usually nets her a half-dozen chocolate chips. She likes dark chocolate the best. At least she’s having the type with some potential health benefits.

“We need to buy chocolate stars at the store,” she noted the other day.

She’s a savvy preschooler. Chocolate stars are bigger than chips.

Chocolate is a popular treat. On average, we each consume about 10.6 pounds of chocolate yearly, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture food consumption surveys.

Chocolate is sometimes touted as a “health food.” The good news: Several studies show some health benefits associated with moderate chocolate consumption.

According to researchers at Cornell University, a cup of hot cocoa may be better for us than some other beverages linked with heart health. The researchers measured the presence of antioxidants, or “phenolic phytochemicals,” in cocoa, green tea and red wine. Antioxidants protect cells and tissues from damage by “free radicals” that roam the body and promote heart disease, cancer and other health problems.

The Cornell researchers reported that cocoa has more antioxidant compounds than either red wine or tea. The researchers recommended enjoying all three beverages at different times of the day.

Enjoy some chocolate, especially dark chocolate, but keep moderation in mind. Remember that chocolate bars are energy dense, with about 240 calories and 13.5 grams of fat per 1.6-ounce bar. Try a few chocolate chips or chocolate kisses.

Combine the sugar, cocoa, instant coffee and cinnamon in a large saucepan. Gradually stir in the milk; heat, stirring occasionally, to serving temperature. Pour into cups and serve immediately. Makes four servings. A one-cup serving has 180 calories, 35 grams (g) of carbohydrate, 1 g of fat, 1 g of fiber and 105 milligrams of sodium.